According to an international study published in The Lancet Planetary Health, by 2070, global warming could completely reshuffle the world map… from the perspective of venomous snakes. Some species may disappear from their current habitats, while others could settle in regions that were previously unknown to them.
Take the Gaboon viper, for example: extremely discreet, it is one of the most venomous snakes in West Africa. In a warmer future, its territory could expand by 250%. The result? A higher risk of bites, of course… but above all, major ecological disruptions. Snakes play a key role in ecosystems: they regulate rodent populations (which themselves spread diseases), and their disappearance—or arrival—can upset the entire balance.
But before shouting “danger!”, what if we changed our perspective?
👉 Did you know?
The venom of certain snakes has been used to develop medicines for hypertension, heart problems, and even some cancers. 🧪
Like sharks, snakes suffer from a reputation as bloodthirsty predators. Yet they generally avoid humans and only attack when they feel threatened.
Their venom is a fascinating cocktail of molecules that has not yet revealed all its secrets. Scientists see it as a real goldmine for the medicine of tomorrow.
🧐 These creatures are above all precious indicators of the health of our planet.
Activity for your students (Grades 2 & 3 / Cycle 2 & 3)
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
Required materials
- Images or drawings of animals (rodents, snakes, birds, insects, plants) to cut out or display — 6 to 10 species depending on the level.
- Large sheets of paper or a whiteboard to reconstruct the food chain.
- Paper and pencils for students.
Procedure
Introduction (10 minutes). Briefly present the snake and its role in nature. Explain that snakes mainly eat small animals such as rodents. Ask: Why do you think snakes are important in nature? Collect a few ideas from the students.
Food chain game (20 to 30 minutes)
- Distribute or display the animal images.
- Ask students to sort the animals in order: who eats whom? They must build a food chain together by connecting the images with arrows (for example: plant → insect → bird → snake).
- Explain the concepts of predator, prey, herbivore, carnivore, etc., depending on the level.
- Ask guiding questions to help them think.
Discussion and conclusion (10 to 15 minutes)
- Summarize the importance of snakes in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity.
- Talk about the threats they face (habitat loss, climate change) and explain why it is important to protect them.
- Invite students to imagine an awareness campaign or a slogan to protect snakes and their habitat.